Do You Know What Causes Electrical Fires?
Do you know what causes electrical fires? Being a homeowner, a house fire is probably at the top of your fears. No one wants to think about the potential of their house catching on fire or burning down. One way to prevent this is to regularly check on and update your electrical system.
There are many causes of electrical fires in your home. A few common fire-starters can include faulty wiring, old electrical panels, old appliances, and extension cords. This month we’re going to go over a few ways to prevent these issues from starting electrical fires in your home.
Faulty Wiring Can be Dangerous to Your Home
One of the most common causes of electrical fires is faulty wiring. You may not think much about wiring as long as everything is working properly. Do you know how old your wiring is? Most wiring lasts around 50 to 70 years. However, things like mice or just wear-and-tear can cause problems with wiring. An electrical inspection can help to diagnose any problems before they become disastrous.
As we mentioned, wiring can last for decades. While this may cause homeowners to turn the other way when thinking about replacing wires, think about today’s technology. Appliances and electronics are much different than they were even ten or twenty years ago. Have a professional residential electrician check over your wiring and make sure it can handle your modern appliances and electronics.
Electrical Panels Can Cause Fires, Too
The electrical panel is essential to your electrical system. As it ages, there are more chances for breaker issues and outages. Like the wiring, your electrical panel could be too old to handle the voltage of appliances and electronics. The best way to prevent the electrical panel from catching fire is to replace it with a new model. Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., can replace and install an electrical panel in your home.
If you have old panels from Federal Pacific Panels, it’s essential that you make changes. The panel breakers may not trip and in turn cause fires. If you have panel from one of these manufacturers, then call Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., to replace it.
Make Sure Light Bulbs Are the Proper Wattage
Did you know that light bulbs that are the wrong wattage can cause electrical fires? Using a lightbulb that is too high of a wattage can catch on fire when in use. Always check the lighting fixture before replacing light bulbs to be sure that it isn’t too high. Covering lights with paper or cloth products can also lead to fires. If the light is too bright, consider dimming lights or a lower wattage.
Update Appliances as They Age
How old are your appliances? As they age, appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, and more can cause fires. Their wires can fray, and cords that are under rugs or tangled with each other can cause fires, too. Updating appliances with more modern options can help to protect your home against fires.
In some cases the problem might not be with the old appliance but with the outlet. Discolored or loose outlets are a sign that it needs replacing. Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., can properly remove and replace outlets in your home.
Do Not Use Multiple Extension Cords or Plug in High-Voltage Items
In some homes, electrical outlets may be in inconvenient places or not have enough for all appliances and electronics. Because of this, homeowners resort to using one or more extension cords to make everything fit in the room. However, this can be a dangerous choice. Plugging in refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and even new “smart” electronics can lead to an overload, causing an electrical fire.
Using multiple extension cords can also cause an electrical fire. Having many in one space or home can increase the chances because of the load on each extension cord. Never plug extension cords into each other, either. If you need more outlets, talk to the residential electrician at Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., in Christiansburg. We can properly install new outlets and update existing ones.
Extinguishing an Electrical Fire
If you have an electrical fire in your home, call 911. While you can put it out, depending on the location, it may start up again. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames if the fire is small enough. Never put yourself in danger – call the proper authorities if the fire spreads or is large.
In some cases, homeowners may use baking soda or a heavy blanket to smother the fire. Again, we urge homeowners to call 911 in the event of an electrical fire. Proper authorities can inspect the home and ensure that it’s safe.
Always remember to check your smoke detectors. This is your prime defense against injury in the event of an electrical fire. Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., can install smoke detectors and provide electrical inspections for your home in the New River Valley.
Danny’s Explains What Causes Electrical Fires in Your Home
Now that you know what causes electrical fires, make an appointment with Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., for an evaluation. Our residential electrician can perform safety evaluations and check over your electrical system. We will be happy to discuss and address any concerns about your electrical system, making it safer for your family.
When you need a trustworthy, experienced electrical contractor at your New River Valley home or business, call Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., at (540) 998-5750. For updates and much more, like us on Facebook! Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., explains what causes electrical fires.